Advanced Search

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader questions:

Limit Consult to Case

Published on Sun Sep 12, 2010

Question: How should I code a consult report on two slides from the same date: slide A is colonic adenocarcinoma from a colon/ rectal biopsy, and slide B is metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma from a liver biopsy? I'd like help with the diagnosis and procedure coding.Illinois SubscriberAnswer: Because the two slides are from the same colon cancer case on the same date, you should report a single consultation using 88321 (Consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhere).Although the slides represent two specimens -- a rectal biopsy and a liver biopsy " the unit of service for pathology consultations is the case or accession, not the specimen. For that reason, you should not bill two units of 88321.Regarding the diagnosis coding, you should report 154.0 (Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction) and 197.7 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver, specified as secondary). Use 154.0 instead of 154.1 (Malignant neoplasm of rectum) because the tissue [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

View All